MARCH
2004
A Dimension 11 Ltd. Monthly Online Newsletter
Emotional
Intelligence ~What
is its Value in the Workplace?~
aining
more and more publicity in the world around us is the importance
of emotional intelligence. Many don't quiteunderstand its value
or usefulness, though. In this article wewill try to dispel some
of the confusion.
What
is Emotional Intelligence?
As
Daniel Goleman, a leading psychologist, researcher and author
puts it, emotional intelligence is "self-awareness, managing
your emotions effectively, motivation, empathy, reading other
people's feelings accurately, social skills like teamwork, persuasion,
leadership and managing relationships". All of these characteristics
are critical to success.
IQ
versus EI
Putting
the emphasis on IQ, without taking into account EI, can be very
limiting. While IQ may help in determining which career to pursue
and what level of education is attainable, it doesn't have as
much bearingon the success a person will attain. There are many
geniuses who are not top of their field or stars in their careers.
On
the other hand, EI has a huge bearing on success. Success is often
determined by the very attributes which make up emotional intelligence.
As
an example, say you have to deal with an angry client. Your IQ
may enable you to explain in great detail what the problem is
and how to fix it. Great! However, the client is too upset to
listen. Your EI will help you to first understand what the client
is feeling, to empathize, to handle your own frustration/anger
that may crop up if the client is unkind, to control your impulse
to retaliate, to listen and to help the client calm down. Then,
you can use persuasion and kindness to explain the situation and
the solution. With these steps, your client will be more inclined
to listen and will go away feeling heard, respected and satisfied.
You
will encounter similar situations with co-workers, family and
friends. You have to deal with not just the situations, but, more
importantly, the underlying emotions, whether they are positive
or negative. EI enables you to build/maintain good relationships
with all the people you deal with day to day.
our
IQ is what it is; however, EI is learned. Developing it
just makes sense. If it helps you have stronger relationships
professionally and personally, if it helps you deal with things
that happen in this disturbed world without becoming disturbed
yourself, if it helps you to be happy and productive, where is
the downside?
To
learn more about it, check out Daniel Goleman's books - Emotional
Intelligence and Working with Emotional Intelligence.
Success!
imension
11 is proud of the people we have been privileged to work with
for the past few months. Following are just a few of the positions
they have attained after facing career transition and moving forward
to re-establish themselves in the work force.
President of a new mortgage brokerage business
Customer Service Representative for a Crown Corporation
Manager for a high end retail establishment
Several Customer Service Representatives for financial institutions
throughout the province
aining
more and more publicity in the world around us is the importance
of emotional intelligence. Many don't quiteunderstand its value
or usefulness, though. In this article wewill try to dispel some
of the confusion.
to
listen. Your EI will help you to first understand what the client
is feeling, to empathize, to handle your own frustration/anger
that may crop up if the client is unkind, to control your impulse
to retaliate, to listen and to help the client calm down. Then,
you can use persuasion and kindness to explain the situation and
the solution. With these steps, your client will be more inclined
to listen and will go away feeling heard, respected and satisfied.
our
IQ is what it is; however, EI is learned. Developing it
just makes sense. If it helps you have stronger relationships
professionally and personally, if it helps you deal with things
that happen in this disturbed world without becoming disturbed
yourself, if it helps you to be happy and productive, where is
the downside? 
imension
11 is proud of the people we have been privileged to work with
for the past few months. Following are just a few of the positions
they have attained after facing career transition and moving forward
to re-establish themselves in the work force. 
